The tourism management scholarship cycle is in the final notification stage for 2026 entry and the main application period for fully funded global fellowships for 2027 as of April 27, 2026. Many prestigious programmes now focus on Sustainable Tourism Development and Rural Economic Impact.
Here are the top funding opportunities for tourism students and professionals.
1. UN Tourism: Best Tourism Villages & Training 2026
UN Tourism (previously UNWTO) has several member-state-nominated initiatives that offer substantial training and project funding.
- The Award: Varies, but includes recognition, international visibility and an opportunity to participate in an Upgrade Programme for support on infrastructure and sustainability.
- • The current status is that applications are open.
- Deadline: June 9, 2026.
- • Ideal for students or professionals working on projects concerning rural tourism that preserves cultural and natural heritage.
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK) 2027/28
The UK’s flagship Future Leaders award is a leading route for tourism professionals to undertake an MSc in Tourism Strategy, Sustainable Tourism or Heritage Management.
- The Award: Full tuition fees, monthly living allowance (approx. £1,200), return flights and visa costs.
- 2027 Cycle Planning Portal opening expected August 5, 2026.
- The deadline is October 2026.
- You need to have worked for at least two years (2,800 hours). For tourism students, this could be operational roles, managing a travel agency or working for a government tourism board, for example.
3. Erasmus Mundus: EMTM (European Master Tourism Management)
A top-level joint degree whereby students study in three different European countries: Denmark, Slovenia and Spain.
- The Award: Full scholarship (EMJM): Travel coexpensesinsurance and monthly subsistence allowance of €1,400.
- Current Status: There were no EM scholarships for the 2026/27 cycle. But the programme is reapplying for funding, and grants are expected to be back for the 2027–2029 intake.
- 2027 Plans: Portals open Dec 2026.
- Requirement: First university degree in tourism, business or social sciences.
4. Australia Awards – Africa (Intake 2027)
The Australian Government provides these to professionals working in fields that contribute to development, with Tourism and Environmental Resilience identified as areas of priority.
- The Award: Fully funded (tuition, airfare and living allowance) for a Master’s degree in Australia.
- APPLICATIONS ENDING SOON. CURRENT STATUS:
- Deadline: 30 April 2026 (3 days left!)
- Eligibility: Must be a citizen of a participating African country and have a minimum of 5 years of postgraduate working experience.
5. Private Merit Grants (Bold.org)
Specific awards for hospitality and tourism students looking for short-term financial help for late 2026.
- Sylvester Taylor “Invictus” Scholarship: $500. Deadline: 27 June 2026.
- Family restaurant/hospitality business: $2,000 Growing up in the The last day is June 30, 2026.
- Strategy: These are “one-click” apps that are focused on your personal journey and where you want to be in the travel industry.
6. Must-Have 2026 Travel Strategy for Tourism Students
To secure a large grant this year, your application needs to focus on “Inclusive Prosperity”:
- The “Sustainable Rurality” Narrative: General “Travel & Tourism” essays are less competitive in 2026. Travel with an emphasis on Community Based Tourism, Overtourism Management or Biodiversity Conservation.
- Quantify Your Professional Impact with Numbers For Chevening and UN Tourism initiatives. Developed a local tour itinerary that boosted village revenue by 15% within six months.
- The “Ambassador” Role: Applying for the Australia Awards or Fulbright requires you to describe how your degree will support your country’s GDP growth or the preservation of indigenous culture through responsible travel.
- Start Collecting Your References: Most tourism awards ask for references from Academic Professors and Industry Leaders (Hotel Managers, Tourism Board Directors, etc.). Minimum of these 3 months in advance is requested.
7. Summary of Key Deadlines (April/October 2026)
- Australia Awards (Africa): 30 April 2026
- June 9, 2026 UN Tourism Best Villages
- Sylvester Taylor Scholarship – June 27, 2026.
- The Chevening 2027 Cycle starts on August 5, 2026.
- • Erasmus Mundus EMTM (2027 intake): Expected December 2026